The Wales coach Rob Howley may want to rain on England's Grand Slam parade – but at least the weather will not be an obstacle with both teams agreeing to close the Millennium Stadium roof for Saturday's Six Nations decider in Cardiff.

With heavy rain forecast on Friday and showers continuing into Saturday evening, Howley and his England counterpart Stuart Lancaster took the decision to play in dry conditions.

Wales need to win the game by at least seven points to retain their title and therefore do not want to get bogged down by wet, windy conditions that would make scoring tries difficult.

England, on the other hand, will also favour a fast game where they will be able to off-load in contact and make the most of quick possession. The shut roof will also be welcomed by the 74,500 fans expected for the game.

Lancaster said on Thursday: "It'll be based around the weather forecast, to be honest. Ideally we want to play in the dry but it is forecast at the moment to be light to heavy showers. I've spoken to the groundsman at the Millennium Stadium who's been great. If rain is forecast, we'd like it shut."

The two teams agreed to close the roof when they last met at the Millennium Stadium two years ago. England won 26-19.